If your child is between the ages of 4 months and 6 months, he/she can start using a walker. But your child should be able to keep his/her head up and also place his/her feet on the floor when you put him/her in the walker. The reason is that your child has to recognize that in order to move, he/she must push with his/her feet.
You might have seen several campaigns against the use of baby walkers by different associations or professionals because of its risks. These risks of injuries root to the fact that baby walkers help babies move faster, therefore they can reach areas that they can’t usually go to. There is also a study that concluded babies who used walkers have later motor developments compared to those who didn’t use them. So why should you get a walker?
Along with the detriments, having a baby walker also offers some benefits. Most walkers are designed to entertain your child and encourage him/her to move around. He/she can satisfy his/her curiosity and even get a sense of independence. However, always make sure that you have “walker-proofed” the area and never ever leave your child unsupervised.
You will find different walkers in the market, and you should consider various factors when choosing one. There are even two types of this equipment that has their own strengths and weaknesses. To get a better understanding, check our buyer’s guide.
We have created a list of the best walkers and reviewed each of them for you. We hope that this review can help you choose your ideal model.
Best Walker for Baby Learning to Walk Comparison Table
Model | Weight | Uses Batteries? | Height Adjustable? | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chicco Walky Talky | 11 lbs | Yes | Yes | |
Joovy Spoon Walker | 12.3 lbs | No | Yes | |
Hape Wonder Walker | 7.14 lbs | No | N/A | |
Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony | 11.99 lbs | Yes | Yes | |
Safety 1st Dino | 11.02 lbs | Yes (model inclusive) | Yes | |
Bright Starts Roaming Safari | 11.02 lbs | Yes | Yes | |
Fisher-Price Musical Lion | 4.76 lbs | Yes | N/A | |
Kolcraft Tiny Steps | 7.5 lbs | No | N/A | |
Cosco Simple Steps | 8 lbs | No | Yes | |
VTech Sit-to-Stand | 5.7 lbs | Yes (included upon purchase) | No |
Best Walker for Baby Learning to Walk Reviews
Chicco Walky Talky – Durable and Educational
Our first walker comes from a well-known brand, Chicco. The Walky Talky weighs 11 pounds and stands at 20 inches. It looks very simple, but what makes it unique is its activity center.
Multilingual Playtime
We think it’s very innovative that Chicco decided to include not just one or two languages, but 6 of them in the play tray. Your child can learn phrases in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese! The phrases can be selected via the dial with different flags on the tray.
Some other toys in the tray are flowers, hippos, and lions that make a sound when your child presses them. There are also hinges on the toy arch so you or your child can raise the arch to whatever position. However, compared to the multilingual feature earlier, these toys were somewhat repetitive and might bore some children quickly. We wish that Chicco added other features like colorful lights and different textures. Another feedback we have is the volume and the quality of pressing of these toys.
Durable Toy Attachments
There is no doubt that Chicco Walky Talky is exceptionally durable, including its play tray. However, this leads to a stronger resistance when you touch them. A baby might have a hard time activating the animals, and we wish the sound were a tad louder as well. For the battery consumption, the model uses two double A batteries that’ll last you 2.25 hours.
Removable Toy Tray
But if your child enjoys the tray, the good news is you can remove it from the walker so he/she can play with it anywhere. And after you take it off, you can even use the walker as a table for feeding your child. Besides the main “table” where the toy tray has been, the walker also has two cup holders to complete the whole meal set. We think children who prefer to stand while eating will love this walker.
Safety First
Let us mention the minor negative first. The Walky Talky has two wheels on front and two on the back. The front wheels can move the full 360 degrees, while the rear wheels can only move forward and backward. Because of the limited mobility at the back, you should expect that a lot of steering is needed.
Now, for the good points. This model has a very effective braking system, thanks to its brake pads. These pads keep your child’s movement slightly restricted and make him/he less prone to accidentally going over a step.
Works Well on Hard Flooring and Carpets
During use, your child can move easily both on hard flooring and carpet, and because of our mentioned safety features, you will feel more at ease. How comfortable is it? The seat of this walker is nicely padded and can give a good fit for a child under 33 inches with a weight not exceeding 26 pounds.
But besides these limits, another useful feature that the Walky Talky has is you can adjust its height using the lever underneath. The height adjustment also makes this walker storage-friendly because you can fold it compactly.
If there are any spills to clean, you can remove the cover and hand wash it in cold water. For the other parts like the toy tray, wipe them with a damp cloth. Less cleaning, more time for your baby!
- Well-built
- Adjustable height
- Excellent braking system
- Multilingual play tray
- Easy to clean
- Folds compact
- Can be maneuvered in different floorings
- Low volume in the activity center
- Toys can hard to push
- Playtime can get repetitive
- Expensive
- Limited rear movement
Joovy Spoon Walker – Modern Look Without the Bells and Whistles, Literally
Our next walker is a model that minimalistic people will love. The Spoon from Joovy looks very straightforward and targets one sole purpose, be a safe walker. We have named it “Modern Look Without the Bells and Whistles” not because of the expression, but because it literally has no activity center.
Works as a High Chair
However, we like how clutter-free it looks, and it’s stylish enough to not be out of place in a contemporary home. Besides working as a walker, Spoon also doubles as a high chair so your little one can enjoy “standing” as he/she eats. And another reason why this model works great as a high chair is because its tray surrounds your child’s seat. You don’t have to clean up messes or food that might fall out of your child’s hands.
We also appreciate that this tray has a removable insert that you can put in the dishwasher afterward. We think it’s time efficient and practical that you can remove the insert instead of cleaning or removing the tray itself. However, we wish that Joovy has included even one cup holder since the table is wide anyway.
Super-Sized Tray
More than just for feeding, another purpose of this vast, and to quote the manufacturer, “super-sized” tray, is this size also helps in preventing the child’s fingers from getting squeezed if he/she happens to bump on an area. And for safety, this tray acts as an extra-wide shield to prevent your child from launching forward.
From Tiles to Rugsswive
For its mobility, similar to our previous model from Chicco, only the front wheels of the Joovy can do a full swivel that is why it might feel a bit stiff when gliding. But needless to say, Spoon will not give your child a hard time on different floorings be it tiles, hardwood, or even rugs. Do take note that it struggles on the carpet, but this is common in most walkers. Spoon also has added protection for the stairs because it has non-slip pads to prevent your baby from going over the step.
So far, we like the model’s mobility, but if we could add a feature, it will be a stationary lock for its wheels since it works great as a high chair. That way, you don’t have to worry about your child moving around as you feed him/her. Another comment we have is its height. Again, similar to the Walky Talky, it has 3 height positions that you can select using the knob underneath it.
But for us, there should be a higher option to accommodate fast-growing babies. Spoon has a 30-pound weight limit and 33.5 inches height limit which are good numbers, but a more extensive option will make this model even better.
Speaking of height, you can fold the walker almost parallel to the ground, and it will measure at 9 x 25.5 x 27.75 inches only. This size makes it great for portability as well since it weighs only 12 pounds. But this dimension is not just for storage. As you can notice, the walker has a pretty broad base at 25.5 inches, which also helps in the overall stability of the model.
How does it clean? Spoon uses a luggage-grade seat that combines durability and comfort. This material makes the seat not only stylish but also hygienic. Combine this feature with the removable insert, and you don’t need to stress about spills and stains.
- Super-sized tray and wide base
- Non-slip pads
- Virtually glides on any surface
- Works well as a high chair
- Adjustable height
- Folds compact
- Removable tray insert
- Luggage-grade seat
- No cup holder
- No stationary option
- No toy center
Hape Wonder Walker – Push the Green Initiative
Our next walker is a sit-to-stand type. Basically, this type of walker is more traditional and uses a handle that your baby can push to move forward compared to the modern seated walkers that give your baby a choice to sit or stand. You can learn more about the types of walkers in our buyer’s guide.
Wooden Craftsmanship
Back to our review, the Wonder Walker Push and Pull Toddler Walking Toy from Hape looks like something out of an animated film. What is unique with this walker? It is made of wood! If you want to start your child young with going green, this model is an excellent choice.
Its all-wood construction is surprisingly sturdy, and at par with models who have steel frames. The Wonder Walker can stay put and will not move forward, backward, or even sidewards if a child happens to use it as a support. This is definitely a very durable unit for years to come.
Simple Yet Clever Toys
As we have mentioned earlier, the Wonder Walker is made of wood, and we appreciate that its toys, except for the gears are made of wood too. We like how simple yet clever the toys are. From knobs, balls, inserts, movables, and gears, your child will have fun without you needing to replace the batteries for the toys to make a sound.
Walker or Wagon? Both!
Besides the toys attached, Wonder Walker is also designed by Hape to function as a wagon. You can expect your baby’s playtime with him/her carrying his/her toys (or pets) around. For us, this is another reason to make your child enjoy walking more. Besides, he/she will not have a hard time pushing the walker around since it only weighs 7.14 pounds.
Lastly, for the wheels, they each have rubber linings, which are fantastic for preventing scratches on your floor. Though the walker is quite hard to turn, the wheels are heavy and grip well on the surface. These characteristics make the Wonder Walker great for carpeted floors. However, we notice that the wheels rotate faster on smooth floors so, like with any other walkers, be sure never to leave your child unsupervised; no matter how confident you are.
- No batteries needed
- Wooden built
- Sturdy construction
- Various toys
- Can be used as a wagon
- Wheels won’t scratch the floor
- Difficult to turn
- Glides fast on smooth floors
Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony – Stress-Free Quick Assembly
Don’t you dread having to read complicated instructions that seem to require a degree in aerospace engineering? If you want a walker that you can assemble quickly even with a glance at the manual, you’ll love the Neighborhood Symphony from Baby Einstein!
Height Adjustable, Suitable for Different Children
It has a beautiful name, and it also guarantees that putting it together is a harmonious job. It offers 3 height positions that you can adjust to using the buckles underneath.
For safety, the seat has clips to lock the position in place. The walker itself has a weight limit of 16 to 25 pounds, and since it’s designed as unisex, you can use it for multiple children for years to come.
As we have mentioned, you can use the Neighborhood Symphony for years to come if you have more children, and not just because of its unisex design and height adjustment feature, but also because the walker itself is durably built.
It has a metal frame that will not easily get damaged if it hits the wall. The wheels also have plastic coverings at their top so they will bounce off if they hit something as your child moves around.
Maneuverability is okay, nothing special and nothing too problematic. Like our previous models, the wheels at the front can rotate at 360 degrees, while the rear wheels only move back and forth. Of course, although this design helps in limiting your child’s movements for his/her safety, this makes turning slightly tricky. The wheels glide well on most surfaces but struggles a bit on carpets. We wish that Baby Einstein gave each of them a rubber lining to minimize damage on wood flooring.
Budget-Friendly Chicco Alternative
How about the toy center? Remember Chicco Walky Talky and its removable toy tray? How about its multilingual function? Well, Baby Einstein offers similar features, and it costs less! Although Neighborhood Symphony requires 3 double A batteries for the lights and music, the volume is adjustable and pushing the buttons aren’t as difficult like in Walky Talky.
The walker can talk selected words in English, Spanish, and French with a music-related theme. But your child can also engage with the toys by spinning, tapping, and squeaking. There is also a loop at both sides of the walker where you can attach your child’s favorite toys. We think that these loops are very handy so you can expand your child’s activity center. Our only comment in this toy tray is how the wheels feel a bit stiff to turn.
Besides play time, the Neighborhood Symphony has a removable tray so you can still use the walker for feeding time.
- Incredibly easy to assemble
- 3 adjustable height positions with safety clips
- Unisex
- Durable built
- Multilingual toy center
- Removable toy tray
- Two rings for attaching other toys
- Good volume
- Uses 3 double A batteries
- Slightly difficult to turn
- Struggles in carpet
- Might scratch wooden floors
- Toy wheels are stiff
Safety 1st Dino – Innovative Two-Tray Design
So far, the most memorable function of an entertainment system that we have is the multilingual phrases from Chicco and Baby Einstein and the fact that some models have removable toy trays. But what’s unique with the Dino Sounds ‘n Lights Discovery is that Safety 1st designed its toy tray to be divided in the middle so that instead of being completely detachable, they just swing sidewards.
Swing-Out Toy Tray
Instead of completely detaching the toy tray when you’re feeding your child, you just swing it sideways. This is a unique feature because this allows your baby to still play with the toys while he/she eats. The exposed snack tray is also adequately wide, and even the angle to which you place the toy trays is customizable.
What this feature means is that you can lock it at any angle using the clips underneath and they will not move out of place. However, a drawback for this is you can’t wash the tray thoroughly unlike the easy clean-up that Joovy Spoon offers.
A Variety of Activities
The theme itself is also unisex so you can use it for any child and there are a lot of tactile activities the toys offer as well. Your baby can spin, press, roll, crinkle, and rattle the dino-themed toys. There are even additional toys like a spinning mirror and a chew toy attached for added entertainment. The activity center also lights up and can play 12 songs.
However, we didn’t see where the model has the batteries, and you have to purchase them directly at Safety 1st once the energy runs out. But don’t worry, according to the manufacturer, the battery life will last your child for a long time. We should also mention that the toy attachments doesn’t feel as durable compared to the pricier Chicco Walky Talky.
As we have mentioned earlier, the tray isn’t washable, so you have to wipe it down if it gets dirty. But the good news is, the seat cover of this walker is machine washable. Besides easy clean-up for the seat, you can adjust the height with a choice of 3 positions.
Our only comment for this adjustability is Safety 1st should’ve included a lower seat height to the lowest position they offer because shorter babies might have a difficult time reaching the floor with their feet. The good news, however, is you can fold it compactly, so storage isn’t a problem.
Carpet-Friendly
How does it move? The front wheels swivel in all directions, and the rear ones don’t so there’s a tendency that the walker gets stuck at the back end. But surprisingly, Dino Sounds ‘n Lights works well even in carpets. There are also safety stoppers underneath that are incredibly useful if the front wheels aren’t touching the ground.
- Swinging-out toy tray
- Entertaining variety of toys with lights and 12 songs
- Washable padded seat
- 3 height positions
- Folds compact
- Moves well in carpet
- Tray not washable
- Toy attachments don’t feel as sturdy
- Difficult to find a replacement battery
- The rear end can get stuck
Bright Starts Roaming Safari – Excellent Height Option for the Little Ones
Our next model is a walker that will work great specifically for smaller and shorter babies. The Roaming Safari Walk-A-Bout from Bright Starts is your best choice if you can’t find a walker that will allow your baby’s feet touch the floor.
Excellent for Smaller Babies
This walker has a 26-pound weight limit and is especially useful for little ones, literally. The seat gives fantastic support because it has a high back. To provide you with an idea about the distance of the seat from the floor, it is 6 inches in the lowest setting.
The model also folds well using the knob underneath and will fall at around the same height with the bumper (3 ½ inches above ground) if you’re thinking of storing it under sofas or beds. However, we have some drawbacks with the seat. There is no doubt that it works well with smaller babies, but taller babies might not feel as comfortable inside.
The leg holes are also not as wide, so chubby legs might feel stuck. The seat is also not as plush to feel, although it is easily removable and washable, the fabric is a bit thin compared to the padded ones from our previous models.
The movement is average, but the good news is that the wheels aren’t going to damage wooden floors. How does it move on carpet? The walker struggles with carpet, and you can feel some grip as the unit glides around.
For safety in uneven surfaces, the Roaming Safari has rubber bumpers to limit the walker from moving on a bump.
Limited Tactile Activities
Now for entertainment, the walker has two rings on the sides similar to the Baby Einstein Neighborhood Symphony. Again, these are useful for attaching other toys that your child loves. There are rings, an arch with a movable tiger that makes a clicking sound, and a steering wheel for entertainment. As you notice, the activities that your baby can do are not as many compared to the previous model from Safety 1st.
However, what’s unique with the steering wheel is your child can turn it in any direction, and it also has a horn that plays 3 sounds and 3 songs. It even lights up when pressed. For these features to work, you’ll need 3 double A batteries. To save consumption, you can turn these entertainment features off. You can also lower the audio volume, which we think is awesome, especially if you need a bit of ”peace and quiet.”
Like the previous toy trays from other walkers, you can remove the one in Bright Starts. However, upon removal, it will reveal two holes where the tray fits in. We don’t like this feature as the child can get his/her fingers inside, and when you feed him/her, food can fall inside.
- Great for smaller children
- Good back support
- Folds compact
- Wooden floor-friendly
- Can turn off battery-operated entertainment features
- Volume can be lowered
- Tactile activities are limited
- Seat not cushioned with small leg holes
- Not as comfortable with taller babies
- Does not move well in carpet
- Wheels have a grip
- Food tray has holes
Fisher-Price Musical Lion Walker – Musical Eye Candy for Babies
Up next is another traditional walker similar to the Hape Wonder Walker earlier except it isn’t made of wood but instead, it is plastic. The Musical Lion Walker from Fisher-Price looks incredibly cute and colorful that babies will be enticed to play with it while sitting down or while pushing it around.
The handle is 18 inches high, and the overall dimension of this walker is 3.94 x 18.31 x 15.94 inches. It is quite bulky for storage, and we wish there is an option for the back legs to fold forward for a more compressed size.
Incredibly Lightweight
For moving it around, you could assume that it is incredibly easy for the baby to push it because it only weighs under 5 pounds. This weight is both an advantage and disadvantage because it can move fast, almost too easily in certain floorings and the speed might scare the baby. It might also move forward quickly although the back legs are stretched far out, so stability isn’t problematic.
Variety of Activities
The Musical Lion is not only an eye candy. It is also a very entertaining model. For walking, your child will be inspired to move it around because it plays a song when pushed. The other features it has, on the other hand, includes a slide-up butterfly, spinning dials, beads, and piano keys.
Your child can also play various games like peek-a-boo because it has a flip page mirror. Besides pushing, the lion will make a sound when your child pushes its nose. It will also light up to keep it engaging.
However, make sure that you have turned off the sound after he/she finishes playing because there are instances that it randomly plays. We should also mention that you can change the lion’s volume.
For the lights and sounds, the model uses 2 double A batteries that will last you a while.
- Engaging design
- Different activities
- Batteries will last you a while
- Bulky
- Can be lightweight for pushing
- Randomly plays music
Kolcraft Tiny Steps – Editor’s Choice
Remember when we reviewed car seat combos? Those units feature a stroller and an infant seat in a single purchase. Wouldn’t it be great if you can purchase a traditional sit-to-stand walker and a modern seated walker both in one unit? Well, it is possible! The Tiny Steps 2-in-1 from Kolcraft is a convertible model that gives you both walker types for children less than 32 inches in height.
Plush, Easy to Remove and Wash
As we have mentioned, the Kolcraft works as a seated walker. This mode is perfect for babies learning to walk and might decide to sit anytime while they are actively moving. The seat itself is well-padded and comfortably deep for a snug fit. To make your baby feel more comfortable, you can also adjust the height of the seat. A comment we have is we hope Kolcraft redesign the seat’s leg holes to be wider to accommodate bigger babies.
But more than being comfortable, you can remove this seat pad quickly as they are as easy when reattaching them. The reason for this is because it only uses snaps as attachments. You can then place the seat in the machine to save time and effort.
From Modern to Traditional or Vice Versa!
Now, for converting the seated mode into a sit-to-stand walker, you just simply snap out the plush seat to reveal a bar. This bar is at a great height so your child wouldn’t feel awkward pushing it.
What is the quality of its movement? Similar to all of the products in this review, only the front wheels can swivel fully while the rear wheels are limited to forward and backward motions. It moves well on most surfaces but almost stationary on carpet floors.
For safety, it has skid-resistant friction pads for the purpose of halting the walker when your baby reached uneven surfaces.
JPMA-Certified
It is also worth noting that the walker is also JPMA-certified. JPMA stands for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, and this means the organization has verified the model via tests and inspections that it is safe for children to use.
Battery-Free Activities
Another feature we like with this model is it is reasonably priced, while at the same time, the toys are not battery-operated. The toy tray is very simple, with various textures and activities that give your baby a chance to spin the ball, move the beads, or rotate the mirror.
But the unique thing with the Tiny Steps 2-in-1 is there is a dedicated space for the food tray (with cup holder) without needing you to remove the toys. This feature, if you have remembered from the model Dino Sounds ‘n Lights of Safety 1st, is fantastic to keep your child engaged during feeding time. You can use playtime as a distraction for picky eaters.
Lastly, the Tiny Steps folds well for storage. To give you an idea, it only reaches 30 x 24.3 x 8 inches in diameter. For us, this is a good size considering that it’s a convertible model.
- Convertible
- Plush seat
- Height adjustable
- Folds compact
- No batteries needed
- The child can play while eating
- JPMA-certified
- Reasonably priced
- Small leg holes
- Does not move on carpet
Cosco Simple Steps Walker – Easy Adjustments, Perfect for Taller Kids
For our second to the last product, we have the Simple Steps from Cosco. Among the units we reviewed, this model has a unique way of adjusting its height position. This walker is also our recommendation for taller babies. The reason is not just the 2 height positions, but the leg holes of the seat are nice and wide too. And did you know, you can even construct the model without using any tools!
Zip to Adjust
You can easily remove the seat and place it in the washer and dryer if it needs cleaning. And besides the fact that it is convenient and quick to clean, the seat is also the key for adjustment. Unlike the previous models that adjust their height when you pull the legs up or down, with the Simple Steps, you use the zipper on the seat.
You can unzip the zipper to expand the height and zip it to reduce the height. We think that any parent will appreciate this easy adjustment feature compared to complicated methods that’ll consume time.
Similar to the Walk-A-Bout by Bright Starts who works well for smaller kids but not so much for taller kids, in contrast, this model who works well with tall kids is not as comfortable for smaller kids as well. However, it will still depend on your child’s height and just remember to keep in mind the 30-pound weight limit of this walker.
Simple (Indeed) Steps
The Simple Steps’ overall look is in the name itself: simple. And though it has toys, they aren’t as extravagant, and you don’t need batteries for them. But like some of our previous models, you can utilize the rings on the tray to attach other toys.
You can also use it as a high chair because it has a food tray insert that is very easy to remove. The food tray is also as easy to clean because it is top rack dishwasher-safe. For the mobility, the wheels are your typical front wheels capable of 360 degrees rotation and rear wheels limited. Expect a bit of carpet resistance during movement as well.
The seat also uses grip strips to refrain the walker from continuously moving on bumps and stairs so even if the overall built doesn’t feel as durable as the pricier models in this review, this walker is going to be safe for your child.
- Great for taller kids
- Easy zip adjustments
- Cute and enticing look
- Removable dishwasher-safe food tray
- Machine and dryer-friendly seat
- Batteries not needed
- Carpet resistance
- Built doesn’t feel as durable
VTech Sit-to-Stand – Affordable Yet Educational
Last but not the least is the V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker. This is the most affordable model in this review and the most toy-like in our opinion. With gorgeous-looking bright color combinations, this sit-to-stand walker will definitely caught your little one’s attention.
Ideally, like with all sit-to-stand walkers, your child should be able to stand upright before he/she uses this type. For children who only have good head and neck support, it’ll be better for them to use the more modern seated types.
Assorted Activities with Included Batteries
This learning walker has a detachable toy center so your child can still play while sitting or if not while standing and pushing it around. Looking at the console, we can confirm that VTech is one of those walkers who offer a lot of games and learning activities.
From piano keys, roller, shape-sorting toys to even gears, door, and telephone, this model has it all. Your child will enjoy learning about different colors, numbers, and animal sounds as the walker lights up and sings 70 different songs. Best of all, it already comes with 2 double A batteries! This walker will indeed give you the best value for money.
Although the toy center is incredibly amusing, we have a few comments. First, is about the gears. Among all the toys, they are the only one that might feel a bit harder to move. And our other feedback is about the telephone. Sure, your child who is keen on roleplaying will enjoy it, but since it is small and unattached, it is prone to get lost.
Wheel Locks
For maneuverability, we are impressed by how smooth this walker moves on the carpet. And it is also worth mentioning that it has a unique safety feature with its wheels. You can control its resistance by manipulating the speed of rotation of the wheels. You can lock the rear wheels to slow down the stroller’s movement in hardwood or tiles since the wheels feel lighter and move faster in these floor types, we don’t want to risk it tipping sideways. With the carpet, however, you don’t need to do this.
Overall, with this price point, the VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker is an excellent purchase. Of course, because VTech primarily made this model out of plastic compared to our pricier steel-framed walkers, its durability can get questionable. Nonetheless, always supervise your child, and there’s nothing to worry about.
- Lots of games to play and learn
- Good movement in carpet
- Adjustable wheel speed
- Included batteries
- Unattached toy phone
- Toy gears are tight to move
- Lightweight wheels move quickly on hardwood floor and tiles
- Not as durable compared to steel-frame models
Buyer’s Guide
Types of Walker
As you have seen in the reviews, there are two kinds of walkers. One is the more traditional sit-to-stand and the other being the modern seated type. So which one is suited for you?
Sit-to-Stand Walker
This baby walker is probably what your parents have used back then. The sit-to-stand type looks quite similar to geriatric walkers and is used by babies who can stand because they’ll use the bar to pull themselves up and push to move the walker. It is called sit-to-stand because the baby can sit as he/she plays with the detachable activity center, and he/she can also play while standing with the toy tray still attached.
Seated Walker
The other type is the seated walker, which is more modern than the previous sit-to-stand. Seated walkers are excellent for babies who have a tendency to sit when he/she walks around suddenly. The reason is that seated walkers have a seat that suspends the baby if he/she chose to sit while walking.
Some models also include safety features like grip strips and locking wheels. There are even seated walkers like the Joovy Spoon that has a large tray that you can use for playtime or feeding.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Walker
Now that you know the two types of walkers and you have read the product reviews, how can you narrow down your decision? If you have a model in mind, you can ask yourself the following questions that can help you decide whether it is the best walker for you and your child.
Does it have safety features?
Like with every baby product, the first thing that parents check is how safe the model is going to be. Whether it’s about the materials (free from BPA, etc.) or safety features, it is essential that the walker is transparent and has some features to keep your baby safe.
Some safety features that you’ll typically see are brake pads or non-skid friction base which prevents the walker from moving forward if your baby reached an uneven surface. Walkers with broader base also improve the stability and can help the unit bounce off if it hits a wall. Another great tip is you can check any spaces in the wheels or in the frame that might invite curious fingers.
What flooring do I have?
Your baby is going to walk with that walker, and he/she might get disappointed if the walker refuses to glide smoothly on your flooring. Do you have a hardwood floor? Tiles? Carpets? Where is your child going to use the walker?
Check which product works well for the type of flooring that you have. For example, in our review, most walkers struggle on carpeted floors except the Hape Wonder Walker and Safety 1st Dino Sounds ‘n Lights.
How comfortable is it?
Once your child enjoys his/her time at the walker, he/she will inevitably spend a lot of his/her time on it. So the next question is what adjustments I can make with it? A good fit with your baby’s height is essential for your child’s comfort. This also means that if it is a seated walker, the seat is padded and has good-sized leg holes. You can even consider the walker’s weight because how can a baby push something above 20 lbs right?
Is it durably built?
As tempting as it is to choose a cute unit over a simple-looking one, you should always prioritize durability over aesthetics. What is it made of? Will it survive hits and falls? Babies can sometimes play roughly so you can check how sturdy the walker frame is, or how well attached the toys are. For us, it is better to spend a bit more if it’ll last you longer than buy something in lesses price but will break after a few uses.
How can I clean it quickly?
Babies tend to get messy, so your walker should be easy to clean. This feature means that the seat is easily removable and machine-friendly. Removable snack trays/toy trays are also fantastic to save you time and effort. Lastly, try to look for a model who doesn’t have any crannies where spills can get into.
Is easy to store and travel with?
Most products in our review boast how compact they can get while folded. Manufacturers have considered that parents now look for walkers that are easy to store and travel with. For storage, choose something that almost folds flat, and for travel, you can opt to lightweight models that are easy to collapse and reconstruct.
How entertaining is it?
Walkers are not just for teaching and allowing your baby to walk; we can also grab this opportunity for playtime and as a learning method. A unit with a variety of colors, textures, lights, and sounds can keep your child engaged. There are even models like the Chicco Walky Talky that speaks multilingual phrases!
In Conclusion…
Walkers are great devices to keep your child engaged physically and mentally because they let him/her explore, play, and learn. However, a lot of people are not considering this device because of safety risks. The truth is walkers are safe as long as you never leave your child alone even if it seems that “it wouldn’t take long.” So with a watchful eye, the next step is to find the best model for you.
There are 2 types of walkers, and you can find both of them in this review. You can also revisit our buyer’s guide so you can create your own criteria when it comes to choosing the best walker. Our top pick is the Kolcraft Tiny Steps 2-in-1 because this model gives you the option of having both types of walkers. But besides convertibility, it also folds compact for storage and travel and is JPMA-certified, so you are reassured that it is safe.
Our final words are, like with any baby equipment, always do your research and find every feedback about the walker you have in mind. At the end of the day, only you can reassess whether this device will be beneficial to you or your baby.
Do you have any questions? Comment down below!
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